Brandon Mechele: “That clean sheet feels great”
The win at Sturm Graz clearly pleased Brandon Mechele. “We take the three points here, and that's well-deserved. It feels great that we managed to hold on to that clean sheet. We really should have killed the game earlier on. We had plenty of chances to do so. You just know that it can remain dangerous, but we remained in full control of the game.”
Mechele reckons the tactical pre-game analysis clearly helped the team in its mission. “We had been warned about their pressing, even if I expected more of it, to be honest. We managed to play it out well at times. The coaching staff offered us the keys to this game, and we acted upon them, and completed our mission.”
In three weeks time that tactical puzzle will have to be spot on again, as the team makes its way to AC Milan. Mechele, who has always been a Club Brugge fan, still remembers that last encounter: “I remember that Andrés Mendoza scored back there, and that Danny Verlinden put in a massive performance between the posts.” It will be 21 years ago on the very day. “Maybe it's written in the stars that that day turns out magical?", an ambitious Mechele concludes.
Christos Tzolis: “Not the best Tzolis yet”
It's official: Christos Tzolis was UEFA's Man of the Match. “My first Champions League goal, and my first Man of the Match-trophy. This is a dream, it has always been a dream for me to be standing here." Tzolis had some words of praise towards the team performance too. “Another step forward, both for me and for the team. It's something we can build upon.”
But how exactly did that goal come to life? “My first touch was perfect to allow me to shoot straight away. I was in the perfect angle, and I was happy with the way I hit it. A top goal, if I do say so myself.” Hungry for more, both the fans and the team. Is Tzolis in his peak? “This is not the best Tzolis yet. I can do a lot better, and that is why I am here at Club Brugge.”
Hans Vanaken: “Mission accomplished”
Skipper Hans Vanaken's mouth just about fell open as Christos Tzolis' effort neatly sailed in. “What a goal. Fine control, great assist too by Onyedika, and then neatly tucked in by Tzolis.” Vanaken was happy with the way the team took control of the game, even if he would have preferred more goals on the score line. “We had so much possession. We had another excellent opportunity through Jutglà, that really should have gone in, but it didn't. It would have made it much easier on us.”
AC Milan is yet to grab points this campaign, so maybe there's something in it for Club too in a couple of weeks? “We would love to upset them, but let's first enjoy this win here at Sturm Graz. We really needed this win to be able to push through to the next round. Mission accomplished." No time for dreaming at Club? “We now have a couple of vital league games, starting on Sunday against Union; that is where our focus will be”, Hans Vanaken decided.